Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
